Since the turn of the century the population at all ages has grown significantly, but it has also aged. This is illustrated in graph 5.19 for the years 1901 and 2000.

Since the first half of the 20th century, Australians have been having smaller families. This is reflected in a fall in the proportion of children (aged under 15) within the population from 35% in 1901 to around 21% in 2000. Conversely, the proportion of the population aged 65 and over has increased markedly, from 4% in 1901 to 12% in 2001. These features are shown in graph 5.20.